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Monday, 28 October 2013

Allegri defends ineffective Balotelli

Allegri defends ineffective Balotelli

Last Updated: Monday, October 28, 2013, 16:31

Parma: Milan
coach Massimiliano Allegri raced to the defence of Mario Balotelli
after the striker`s early substitution in a 3-2 away defeat to Parma.

A new-look Balotelli, without his trademark `mohican` hairstyle, returned from injury and suspension at the Ennio Tardini stadium Sunday with high hopes of helping the Rossoneri maintain their recent resurgence.

Balotelli,
however, was largely ineffective against Roberto Donadoni`s side and
after being cautioned for simulation when he tumbled in the area,
Allegri replaced him seven minutes after the restart with Brazilian
Kaka.

Although Milan went on to draw level at 2-2 following
second-half goals from Alessandro Matri and Matias Silvestre, the
Rossoneri were stunned by a late winner from Marco Parolo.

Milan
slipped back to 10th place and are now 16 points adrift of leaders Roma,
who set an all-time Serie A record of nine opening wins with a 1-0 away
victoy at Udinese.

Balotelli`s return was expected to boost
Milan`s bid to climb the table following an improvement in form
following a 1-0 away win to Udinese and a 1-1 Champions League draw with Barcelona last week.

Instead, Allegri, was left
defending the striker and claimed he replaced Balotelli over fears he
would respond to provocation and see red.

"There`s no reason to single him out, he`s a player like all the others," said Allegri.

"Mario
found it difficult because Parma closed him down and gave him very
little space. Then he picked up that cautioned for simulation.

"In
the second half there were two or three situations that could have gone
against us so I preferred to replace him rather than risk him being
sent off."
AFP --------------- ZEENEWS.com